Brennan's Scales pushes plans to peak at state meet

Not only did Scales make it to the Class 4A State Meet in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles as a freshman, she became Brennan's first track athlete to reach the big event.

Scales is returning with bigger plans. In addition to going in the same events, she's hoping to bring home medals.

That would also be a first for Brennan, and the idea of creating more history has Scales fired up for Friday's action in Austin.

Brennan has other qualifiers who could shine during the meet as Deana Richardson is entered in the girls 100, while Jamal Jefferson (high jump) and De'Shawn Key (triple jump) are participating in the field events. Seeing her teammates also be part of a historical occasion would make Scales' second trip even brighter.

“Getting a medal would be great,” Scales said. “When we have freshman orientation (at Brennan) I can go back and tell them even though you are a freshman you can do whatever you want. It's not about age. You set your heart on it and go for it.

“I have some unfinished business. I want to win. If I don't, I'm just going to keep working.”

Scales knows to reach that level is going to take all-out effort. Her times in the 100 (15.04) and 300 (44.57) were good enough to win the region titles, but the showings rank eighth and seventh among the state competition.

During the break between regional and state, Scales has been doing whatever she can to upgrade her skills. Come Friday, she plans to be at her best. She knows what to expect and won't be awed by the atmosphere.

“Last year was an eye opener,” Scales said. “It made me realize even though I worked hard all year, I had to mentally prepare myself harder for state. When I get there I can't pretend like it is another meet. Everybody is hungry for that goal, and you have to want it more than anyone else. You have to do the mechanics like your coach told you and run your race.

“I have more confidence. Last year, since I was a freshman, I didn't have that much confidence. I'm not going to let that get in my way.”

Scales has been sharp all season. She had a slight hiccup in the 100s during regionals after hitting a hurdle midway. That was the first time for her to have that kind of mishap all season, but Scales recovered instantly and sped to the finish line in front of the rest of the pack.

“This year, there's been a lot more focus,” Scales said. “There's been a lot more pushing at practices. I run against the guys. There's a lot more determination to get back and get an actual title this time.”

Scales is getting another thrill at this year's meet as her close friend Jerica Love of Warren is going to the state meet in both hurdles events and the triple jump.

Having a friend like Love who stands out in the hurdles is another plus for Scales. They talk about their strategies and even train together whenever possible.

Because of their friendship and love for the hurdles, they share another dream. The University Interscholastic League's realignment is coming up next February. If Brennan jumps to 5A, the two could compete as seniors.

“Jerica and I push each other,” Scales said. “We try to make each other faster. It's fun to being going to state together. We'll cheer for each other. It will be fun our senior year when we get to run together and push each other even more.”